Personally, I lean more toward fashion. I know that the scene proper really got started around the Goth Rock genre, and I do know my Goth music history, but do I listen to it religiously? Honestly, no. I listen to more metal than anything else, with the possible acceptation of Voltaire. But the metal I listen to usually has some spooky or scary lyrics and imagery.
I just think it takes more dedication to turn your wardrobe into a mass of dark delight than it does to do so to your playlist. Does this mean that I'm snubbing Goth music and those who favor it? Absolutely not, I just mean to counter those who would say that if someone does not listen to Goth music, then they are not a real Goth.
While we are on the subject of Goth music, I've also seen many debates on who is and isn't Goth in the music scene, which always leads to furious diatribe about Marilyn Manson. While I do like Manson (my husband and I danced to "If I was Your Vampire" at our wedding, and we have since had that phrase tattooed on our arms with matching Jack-o-Lanters for our first anniversary), I would like to shift the debate to Rob Zombie.
I've never seen him being debated as Goth or not Goth, but I really don't understand why. Sure, his music is obviously metal - as Manson's is - but look at his subject matter: witches, werewolves, zombies, and Dragula! Most of his songs have spooky overtones, and he makes horror movies; I think he at least deserves a look in.
And might I add, if it were possible to have ones own theme song that played whenever one entered a room (how cool??) this would be mine:
